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If you have dreamed of a chance to swim with whale sharks, ever
marveled at their overwhelming size and beauty - then Baja AirVentures new
whale shark trip is entirely what you’ve been waiting for!
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Photo: Bob
Caruso
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| Whale sharks are known to be elusive and rare
creatures. There are only four known places in the world where whale sharks
regularly make appearances. The Sea of Cortez near Bahia de Los Angeles, is one
such location. So near to the US, this is one of the best places to personally
experience these gentle giants. |
Whale Shark Base Camp
Your 4 to 6-day trip will use our popular Las Animas
Wilderness Retreat, as its base. The retreat is a multi – sport,
all-inclusive, soft eco-adventure destination located in the heart of the
Midriff Islands, in addition to being feeding grounds for the elusive whale
shark. We utilize our own aircraft to transport you from San Diego, California
to the whale shark feeding grounds in just a few hours. No other Baja tour operator can offer you as
much time spent on the ground and such little time traveling, because no other
Baja tour operator has their own aircraft. We will brief you on your upcoming
activities on the first day, including protocol and the safety procedures for
swimming with these gentle giants.
Your days will be filled with snorkeling with Whale Sharks,
cruising isolated islands and coves looking for the up to 10 species of whales
that frequent these waters – including fin and blue whales, dolphins, sea
turtles, and manta rays. The daily schedules are known to vary depending on
what it is the whale sharks are doing, and when they wish to swim with us.
Average summertime water clarity ranges from 35’ – 60’ or deeper
while water temperatures hover between 78F – 80F. The region enjoys a
cooler microclimate with daytime temps up to 95F and evenings a pleasant 76
– 78F.
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Marine Biological Profile
Whale Shark (Rhiniodon
Typus)
Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish as
well as the world’s largest shark. They are harmless plankton
eaters, and tend to feed close to the sea waters surface. The are
known to reach lengths of up to18 meters (60ft) however average 12 meters
(40ft) in length. This shark is easily identified due to its very distinctive
pattern of white colored spots, its wide mouth and enormous size. Aside from
their huge size, little is known about these creatures. Rarely seen in coastal
shallow waters, these mammals are regular visitors to Bahia de Los Angles, Baja
Mexico in the summer to fall months of July and September. They come to feed on
the plankton of the nutrient rich waters surrounding Las
Animas Wilderness retreat. |
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Baja whale shark demonstrate great tolerance and curiosity to our
encounters. It is very important to keep in mind that we are seeking out wild
animals in their environment. We ask you to bear in mind the need for caution
and respect. Do not presume that we have any control over their actions or
appearances whatsoever.
Baja Whale Shark Swimming
Itinerary
Day 1... Scenic flight from San
Diego to Bahia de Los Angeles where we transfer to boat. Continue to Las Animas
Wilderness Retreat where we spend the afternoon exploring the area via boats,
snorkeling and swimming with whale sharks. Evenings are filled with fantastic
food, a campfire at the beach,, star filled skies, fun, tranquility and
solitude.
Day 2 – 5... Your next days will be spent
swimming with and searching for Whale Sharks by way of the local community of
fisherman by radio or our boat. There will also be abundant opportunities to
snorkel with the nearby sea lions lazing about. Additional activities at no
cost include incredible hiking, sea kayaking and simply relaxation.
Day 6... Morning swim and snorkel with the many
sea creature we encounter, namely whale sharks, lunch, a possibility of whale
shark viewing on the return boat trip, a scenic return flight to San Diego
arriving approximately at 5PM.
2008 Special Whale Shark Tour Dates
& Fee:
Departure Dates:
- September
15 - September 20
- September
22 - September 27
- September 29 - October 4
- October 6 - October 11
- October 13 - October 18
- October 20 October 25
- October 27 - November 1
Maximum Group Size: - 20 guests in 8 beachside yurts
Cost
- 6-day - $1,895
Please add 10% Mexican Government IVA tax.
If you like whales, check out our Baja whale watching tours for
close encounters with the friendly California Gray whales of the Pacific Ocean
January – March. Our whale watching
trips are the “Best in Baja”.
* Whale sharks are natural wild creatures of the ocean. Although
we will make efforts to find them, their location and willingness to be visited
can not be programmed or accurately predicted.
Baja whale shark swimming and Baja whale shark
snorkeling in the Midriff
Island region of the Sea of Cortez near Bahia de
Los Angeles.
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